If you are looking to start or expand a business in Illinois or just need help solving a problem specific to this state or region, there's a wide range of resources — both government and private — available to help.
While many nationally focused resources offer helpful solutions, some issues are better addressed at the state or local level. Answers to licensing, zoning, sales tax, incorporation, economic development issues and a mountain of other matters often reside at the state level. Ironically, however, finding the right resources closer to home can often be even more difficult, as local solutions often live in many different places.
Cover your bases by seeking solutions in these locations:
- State government agencies, such as the commerce department, economic development office, secretary of state's office or other business-related state agencies.
- Small business assistance programs offered through local universities and community colleges that are backed by state and federal resources. These include Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and SCORE offices.
- Private, non-profit and special-interest industry and business organizations that provide a range of services, networking opportunities and even funding options for small businesses.
- State and local offices of federal agency programs, such as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) office in your area.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Get step-by-step advice on starting up in Illinois
The Starting a Business in Illinois Handbook has detailed advice in a 47-page PDF.
I recommend: View the
Handbook online.
Discover Illinois Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
Small Business Development Centers located throughout Illinois provide assistance to new and existing small businesses.
I recommend: Services include: One-on-one business counseling and management assistance; business plan help; accessing marketing information; business financing programs and many others. Find the SBDC nearest you:
Chicagoland or
Downstate.
For high-growth potential, the Illinois Entrepreneurship Network (IEN) can help
Entrepreneurship Centers are the hallmark of the IEN network. Thirteen regional offices specialize in assisting companies with high-growth potential. ECs accelerate entrepreneurial ventures by helping businesses connect with resources and funding, patents and products, money and markets.
I recommend: Visit an EC and get ready for your business to take off.
IEN Business Information Centers are your entry point to state services and assistance with starting a business and answers to your questions about state business requirements. They'll help you get the right answer the first time.
SCORE more free help for your biz
SCORE, "Counselors to America's small business" is a terrific national organization that provides free mentoring for small business owners.
I recommend: These are SCORE Illinois offices:
Aurora - Fox Valley SCORE;
Bloomington - Central Illinois SCORE;
Champaign - E. Central Illinois SCORE;
Chicago - Chicago SCORE;
Decatur - Decatur SCORE;
Godfrey - SW Illinois SCORE;
Kankakee - Kankakee Valley SCORE;
Moline - Quad Cities SCORE;
Quincy - Quincy Tri-State SCORE;
Rockford - Northern Illinois SCORE;
Springfield - Springfield SCORE.
Connect to an Illinois small business resource portal
Discover hundreds of local programs offering free and low-cost help for starting and growing your business.
I recommend: The Business Utility Zone Gateway for
Illinois can connect you with a wide range of people, tools and resources.
Snag state-level help from the SBA
District, state and regional offices of the U.S. Small Business Administration can put a more focused face on federal programs and resources, and plug you into local training and assistance solutions.
I recommend: Just plug in a Zip Code, select a specific city from the pull-down menu or check your state on the
U.S. map in the middle of the
SBA home page.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Many types of businesses require state, city or county licenses and permits. State offices listed above will spell out any specific requirements for your industry.
- Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are an often-overlooked but terrific place to obtain free or low-cost advice and information, including training seminars and technology resources that are nearby.
- Locally-based SBDC consultants can advise you individually on how to write a business plan, market your products and services, find financial resources and other valuable information.
- The regional SBA office can plug you into loan and assistance programs, seminars and other initiatives to aid small businesses.
- Linking up with a local SCORE counselor is a great way to learn from an experienced individual about state-specific solutions.
The official source of Illinois State Small Business Services and Resources is
the Illinois Small Business Development Centers page at Business.com
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